The International Crimes Tribunal’s Investigation Agency has formally begun an inquiry into the Awami League as a political party, appointing an investigation officer to look into allegations of crimes against humanity.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying that if the names of other parties emerge during the investigation, appropriate measures will also be taken against them.

Last year, on 2 October, Bobby Hajjaj, Chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), filed a complaint with the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. 

The petition accused the Awami League and 14 other political parties of being directly responsible as ‘commanding authorities’ for acts of genocide during the country’s Liberation War.

Commenting on the matter, Tajul Islam said, “We are initiating a preliminary investigation based on the complaint. Once the probe proceeds in full swing, we will be able to determine how far the issue may extend.”

The development marks the first time the tribunal’s investigative body has opened a formal probe into a political party’s alleged role in wartime atrocities.